Community and Sense of Belonging | Rita Buehring | TEDxUWE

The Students Union at UWE | Bags and Baggage | Sense of Belonging | Organised by Bethel Ekaette

Rita explores the concept of belonging and how it has been shaped by her personal journey. She begins by asking the audience to reflect on what belonging means to them, whether it's tied to a place, a group of people, or family and friends.
Rita shares her own story, starting with a happy childhood in East Africa until the sudden loss of her parents at the age of 9. This loss disrupted her sense of home and identity, and she felt like she was carrying a heavy bag filled with unwanted emotions and experiences. Eventually, she was adopted by her aunt in Switzerland, which provided her with love and support, but she still struggled to feel like she truly belonged.
Moving to the UK for university did not bring the sense of belonging she hoped for, as she encountered judgment and expectations based on her skin color. Despite these challenges, Rita learns about the attachment theory and realizes that her disrupted attachment to her biological parents influenced her sense of belonging.
Through self-reflection and intentional choices, Rita starts to redefine belonging as a feeling within herself rather than a physical entity. She takes control of her life, chooses what she wants to carry in her bag, and pursues education and impactful initiatives.
Rita's journey teaches the audience that belonging is not just about a place or specific people, but rather a feeling deep inside oneself. By embracing this understanding, she has been able to thrive and make a difference in her life and the lives of others.
Rita is currently a student at the University of Bristol pursuing a Master’s in Psychology of Education. She holds a degree in Early Childhood Studies (First-Class accreditation) from the University of the West of England. She is passionate about how our early years’ experiences influence the development of an individual’s mind and behavior. Rita grew up in a household of mixed ethnicity in Kenya, moved to Switzerland in her early teens and eventually to the United Kingdom. Her journey has piqued her interest in what shapes us as individuals and how we develop a sense of belonging. She believes in the power of community to unleash our potential.
In her spare time, Rita enjoys writing poetry, fitness and creating community through various early childhood education-related charities in East Africa. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx